Hi All! Signing on from Jersey

[Guest]

It’s been pretty awesome learning so much on this forum, thank you!

A bit about where I’m at: I don’t currently own a GS, but that’s just a technicality I’m hoping to fix this weekend

After a ton of reading and youtubing, and visiting shops, the GS is totally where it’s at. Zeroed in on ‘80 and up, L or T, 550 max. That’s what is making sense.

I don’t know much about mechanics and have a basic understanding of tools, but also not really scared of doing whatever I can myself to get it healthy. Also very lucky that a great local mechanic/neighborhood friend is a few blocks away from me, so worst case scenario I can walk it over, loll.. I’ll be visiting him a lot I’m sure.

Goal is to get a ride for the rest of the season without having to overhaul it, and then get more detailed over the winter. No real rush since I want to do things well and I’m taking the MSF course first week of August. But still I’m itching to get going sooner than later. I’m excited and dancing between reason and really just wanting to goooo!

I found what could be a good deal, so I’m very close to getting the trailer and driving an hour and a half to Conn. this weekend, without a commitment to buy.

Here’s the breakdown on the bike and work needed (that I know so far):

1982 GS 450T
- looks to be pretty clean
- Engine turns and “runs great”
- Needs a new battery, he pops it to get going. (the listing said it had a new battery)
- Has an electrical issue. He thinks its the bulbs so he started replacing them but didn’t finish. Headlight works, brake light doesn’t, “some blinkers work”
- Carb leaks a little gas after a ride.
- Good tires.
- 9420 miles
- Check out pics below

In his ad he was asking $1100. When we messaged, he took it down to $900 right away cause of the battery, and said he priced high to filter tire kickers. He’s selling because he has a young family, new house and no time to dedicate to the bike, etc... But he’s not in a rush to sell either.

He seemed pretty straightforward when we were texting. I told him I would think on it and that we would talk today for follow up.

Anyhow, I figure a random day in Connecticut could be fun, with or without a bike on the trailer on the way home. (Definitely funner with!) But at least I won’t wonder about it.

I have a feeling I could get him lower, closer to $700. Pretty sure that the electrical issue isn’t about bulbs. Call me crazy, loll

Any feedback, guidance etc. is super welcome and appreciated.

Again, many thanks and look forward to learning more with you all!

Kat


Can’t figure out how to attach pics so here’s a link: https://imgur.com/gallery/KhUbjc6

[scratch]

thats a good looking little scoot... one thing I would confirm is that it has a good title. CT does not require a title for a bike of that age but New Jersey might. Before any road trips, be sure the paperwork is congruent with your needs.

If the paper doesn't align, there are other bikes out there within your travel zone for example...

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1981-suzuki-gs450x/6639356591.html

So I recomend a little more digging, just to compare if nothing else... welcome aboard

[dorkburger]

Welcome from NJ.
Advice? Don't ride in Newark.
Looks like a pretty original bike in decent shape. Personally I like the E that Scratch posted far better, but the E bikes generally sell for a bit more then a T or L. Regardless of mileage, plan on a full going over and catching up on maintenance.
Good luck and enjoy.

Add.... I see that its missing its fender and the headlight is aimed at the ground. Be sure to look for any signs of crash damage (scrapes, dings, etc.) The mufflers will be a dead giveaway.
As far as electrics- these old Suzukis are infamous for failures. Random signal and lighting issues could be as simple as bad / corroded connections or charging issues, which is a bigger issue. Simply replacing a battery can mask the issue if its not charging - until the battery dies.

[GSXR7ED]

That's a baby "T" and I like it!

I'm down in Dover, Delaware...been here since 2006. I'm from L.A. and I don't mean Lower Alabama...lol.

Glad you are being adventurous with this bike.


Ed

[steve murdoch]

Welcome to the site, Kat.
Glad to hear you are looking into taking a MSF course.
So many of us learned how to ride through a buddy or by trail and error. Proper training would have saved a lot of lives and accidents.
imho get a T over an L.

[Sam 78 GS750]

That T looks decent... The issues it has don't sound like any deal breakers, but could bring your price down a bit.
Welcome, and I 2nd what dorkburger said... riding in Newark would be rough to learn. Head a bit west to where it's not so crwded.

[LAB3]

Welcome to the board! Rehabbed a 82 450t this last winter and have enjoyed the heck out of it, easy to work on and it gets me from point A to point B without too much fuss. $900 would be a reasonable price for that bike but the tires could be a negotiating point going in to buy. Other than that, it looks worthy.

[fastbysuzuki]

In general bike looks ok, I don't know if it's the way I am looking at it but the rear mudguard indicators look twisted out of alignment ( maybe others will chip in) in any case make sure you check out the back end ( as well as the rest of course)
good luck.

[yuivida]

Thanks! I (weirdly) didn’t have Hudson Valley in my search áreas on the CL app. Work got crazy so I didn’t go see the original bike. But we’ve been messaging and it’s still available. Definitely still looking in meantime. And yes, agreed on title, so many too good to be true finds and then wompwomp when there is no title loll

[yuivida]

Thanks, will def check that out. Haven’t made it up but found one a lot closer. Much appreciated

[yuivida]

Thank you! Work isn’t letting me go just yet for that kind of a trip. But this is helpful as a guide. There’s one closer so we’ll see. Can’t wait to work on it good to know you’re here!

[yuivida]

Loll... I’m pretty lucky that I know Newark roads very well. My area is very residential, but will def hit neighboring less populated areas. Other plus is that my brother was a Newark moto cop and instructor, so I’ll follow his recs for sure. Thanks for the heads up on the headlight etc. It’s like every time I see any bike of this model/make, after learning some more, it’s a totally different bike!

[yuivida]

Thanks, Steve. Yes, the T is calling my name for sure. And thanks for the props on MSF. Safety, and confidence through it, are very important to me. Luckily my brother was an instructor, so between him and the course I’m hoping to feel as right as I can to go. Although I’m very well into my 30s, we still haven’t told our parents cause that’s not gonna matter to them tho, lolll... but it has been a nice bonding experience for us. Like that time I covered for him when he snuck out the house! 🤣

[yuivida]

Thank you! I drive around Newark quite a bit for work. So once my confidence is better I’m hoping to make it my primary ride whenever I can. I would def like work more, and would hope to cut time moving around, but the potholes ohhh the potholes...

[yuivida]

Don’t think I properly replied with the quotes to your comments! Sorry about that, (newbie fail!) lolll...